Flavio Briatore says one Formula 1 driver used to be a ‘phenomenon’ like Max Verstappen

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Max Verstappen is widely regarded as the standout driver on the Formula 1 grid right now.

While Lando Norris ended his run of four straight world championships last year, Verstappen was voted the driver of the year by both his rivals and the 10 team principals. He was just two points away from completing the greatest comeback in F1 history, having been 104 behind at one stage.

Verstappen must now be considered one of the sport’s all-time greats. Only three drivers have won more world championships, while only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have taken more victories.

Give us YOUR Formula 1 Mount Rushmore

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The 28-year-old is on course to become the most successful racer in the sport’s history, depending on how long he continues racing. He has indicated that he may retire early and compete in alternative motorsport disciplines.

Flavio Briatore on ‘phenomenon’ Fernando Alonso

Alpine boss Flavio Briatore has worked with two of F1’s greats. He brought Schumacher to Benetton in 1991, overseeing his first two title-winning seasons.

Briatore returned to Enstone after Renault bought the team and controversially dropped Jenson Button to make room for Fernando Alonso.

Alonso justified the gamble by winning the championship in 2005 and 2006, becoming the youngest driver to achieve such a feat.

Fernando Alonso hasn’t won a world championship in 20 years. What’s gone wrong at every team he’s driven for since Renault?

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Speaking to outlets including AS, Briatore said that Alonso was a ‘phenomenon’, just like Schumacher before and Verstappen after. At 44, he may no longer be on the same level as the Red Bull superstar, but he continues to impress.

“Young Fernando was a phenomenon, on par with Senna and Schumacher, and later Verstappen,” said Briatore. “But old Alonso is still pretty good.”

Flavio Briatore: I’m rooting for Fernando Alonso if Alpine can’t win

Despite his role as the Alpine team boss, Briatore manages Aston Martin driver Alonso. 20 years after he last sat on the F1 throne, the Spaniard still hasn’t ruled out winning a third title before he retires.

Aston Martin are aiming to become a top team under the new regulations after a lavish spending spree by owner Lawrence Stroll. Adrian Newey, arguably the greatest designer in F1 history, is now running the operation.

Asked whether he will be rooting for Alonso if Alpine can’t win themselves, Briatore replied: “One hundred percent.”

Aston Martin’s winter has been compromised, raising doubts over their prospects in 2026. Alonso, who’s in the final year of his contract, is clearly running out of time.

Meanwhile, Briatore says there are no more ‘excuses’ for Alpine after they switched from an underpowered Renault engine to the highly-rated Mercedes PU.